If I posted this earlier, I apologize...just don't remember. Well I was turned down for disability, but I am not done. I will now get an attorney and try again.

I'm just wondering... in my letter, it stated that I'm not considered disabled under their definition...and they mentioned that I work. I do work, but barely...it's pathetic what I can accomplish compared to what I was able to do a few years ago. Has anyone else been accepted by SS Disability and still works?

Miriam, that's the pits! I wasn't working when I got disability but I was also a widow over 50 years old when I got it. They also consider what you do/did for a vocation and whether or not you could continue it. I was a teacher but I also have a severe hearing impairment and I can't understand the little children's voices. So I had no problems.

Here is a link that might help you understand better what you are facing. I'm so sorry you were denied.

I'm really sorry about that, Miriam. Only about 30% of people get approved on the first try. You're not alone.

Could it be that you're earning more than $900 or $1000 per month? I understand that if you make that much, they will automatically turn you down.Why my username? It is real life nickname. I love chickens. Will have my flock of hens one day! :D .............. DX'd with Fibromyalgia, chronic hives, sensitivities and allergies, migraines with auras, tmj, and IBS. Not sure what else!

I am so sorry that you were declined Miriam, I am glad you are going to keep on fighting this though. I know how frustrating this is for you because they are still considering cutting my husbands disability off because they say he makes to much working part time at Wal-Mart as a greeter. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you get a good attorney that can turn this around for you.Gentle HugsShirleyDX: Fibro, Gerds, COPD, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, High Blood Pressure, and Depression.

When I get where Im going dont cry for me down here. (Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton)

I'm sorry to hear that you were declined on your first round for SSD. I know it must be frustrating even when you have an idea of how it is going to go, I'm sure you can't help but hope that it will go threw. I hope that round two brings success for you!!!Taking it one day at a time....-Monica

We're in the same boat, Miriam. I was turned down and have appealed. I wrote about it in another post. I didn't get a lawyer, but I think I should have since I read the "disability secrets" website last night listed by someone else on this forum. Be prepared to wait after you tell them you're appealing. I sent my intention to appeal last June and didn't receive anything else from them until the end of January 2010! I sent in my additional medical reports and haven't heard a word back since then.

I had just quit working when I applied. I just couldn't sit in that chair anymore and transcribe for even 4 hours a day. It was too painful.

Sherrine, I'm a substitute teacher, and every year, it gets harder for me to hear those little voices, too. Plus, I get more and more confused as to how to follow the *&^% literacy curriculum we are supposed to force down their throats!!! (another story)

It took me three tries - I got approved when I called a congressman. He asked to look at my file. After he did he had "congressional interest" stamped on it and a judge finally read it and approved it. Without his help I'm sure I would have been denied yet again.DX MCTD 2006, Pericardial Effusion 2006 (still there), Polycystic Kidney Disease 2006, FibromyalgiaCurrently taking Arava 20mg, Plaquenil 200mg 2x a day, Diltiazem, Diovan 80mg, Flonase, Lyrica 150mg

I am really sorry to hear this. I hope it works out for you. I applied but they said my work history (due to medical) wasn't enough for straght disability. They recommended that I apply for SSI but was denied that based on my husbands income. He makes 400 too much a month and even though I have had no income since Dec 08...it doesn't seem to matter. They denied it based on income alone and never even reviewed my medical history. They were kind enough to tell me tho that if I divorced my hubby of 24 years then they could help me. Somehow I think even if I took their advice then they would say I gave away assets and still wouldn't be eligible. It is so frustrating...I don't know how to deal with it some days. They say don't feel guilty but how do I not when I can't contribute and we are struggling. It is so hard...I hope things work out for you.Trying to keep my focus...

Get a lawyer that takes your case on contingency basis and for the $$$ to only be a certain amount. GET THAT IN $WRITING$.

I am not sure if you are still able to work if you can get it or not. I know they looked for something else my husband could do in his field or out of it based on his limitations. The employment professional told the judge there was no work that my husband would fit into since he is homebound and has so many problems staying awake at certain times.

We were about to go under. Little known fact: If you are behind on your rent/mortgage and other bills, you can fill for a "DIRE NEED" hearing. This is to help keep you in your home.

Be prepared with paper work copies of all of your bills and any foreclosure or eviction notices and address your letter to the JUDGE over your case.........if you do not have an assigned judge, give the letter to your lawyer and have them forward it to the court.

You can not just sit back and relax once you hire the lawyer. you need to stay aware of the situation and call them for updates on progress. Otherwise, you might slip through the cracks.

We were able to get a Dire Needs court date in 6 weeks after I sent the letter. We first applied on Sept07 and had our Trial date Feb 09